Holmes to Have Brain Surgery


J.B. Holmes has withdrawn from this week's Barclays, the first of four tournaments in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, to have brain surgery.

The 29-year-old will undergo surgery September 1 at Johns Hopkins University Hospital for a condition called Chiari malformations, which affects the part of the brain that controls balance.

The two-time PGA Tour winner has been dealing with vertigo-like symptoms since May and, after going to several specialists was diagnosed with the condition.

"I know when people hear 'brain surgery,' it conjures up all kinds of images," Holmes said in the statement. "But this is a relatively low-risk surgery and only takes about an hour and a half. Best of all, there's a very high success rate in fixing the condition.

"It's just such a relief to know that there's a name for what I've been going through these past few months and that I have a good chance of getting back to golf and to my regular life."

Holmes was ranked 66th in the FedEx Cup standings heading into The Barclays, which starts Thursday at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, N.J.

"I was really looking forward to the playoffs this year and improving on my 31st-place finish from 2010," said Holmes. "But with a three-month recovery before I can get back to form, we decided that the sooner I can get this procedure done, the better."

Holmes is currently staying near his home in Louisville, Ky., for blood work and pre-operation tests, the statement said.

He will be not replaced by another golfer, reducing the field to 123.